Cedar Fair should preserve Dorney Park's history

ANOTHER VIEW

June 26, 2006|By Timothy D. Hufnagle, Special to The Morning Call - Freelance

It was with irritation that I read the June 20 article, "Gristmill turns to dust," regarding one of numerous demolitions that have been occurring on the Dorney Park property recently. While I agree with Carol Harrity of the Lehigh County Historical Society about having "to pick and choose what's worth being saved," the bigger question looms for Cedar Fair, Dorney's owner: What exactly has it saved in the past 14 years? Last year, another very old building, which still housed the sealed-off "Gold Mine" walk-through attraction, was razed.

As an educator, researcher and local historian, I have long had an interest in Dorney Park's past. My own memories of the park include going in the summer of 1983, just before the tragic fire destroyed one of my favorite childhood rides, then called "Bucket o' Blood." I also have very fond memories of "Journey to the Center of the Earth," and other attractions that disappeared once ownership changed.

I've met former park owner Mr. Bob Ott (a wonderful person who is filled with great recollections of Dorney's past), several former park employees, and countless patrons who recall the days of Castle Rock and company picnics. My impressions are ones of cherished memories, but also of disappointment with the direction Cedar Fair has taken with Dorney. Many have said that Cedar Fair is not interested in history. I truly hope this is just speculation.

If they are any testament, the collective public reactions to Ott's book collaboration with Wally Ely and the WLVT-PBS documentary "Carousel of Memories" should tell us that people in the Lehigh Valley are thirsty for history and eager to see something be done to better protect the cultural landmarks of our region. The recent debates over a casino on former Bethlehem Steel land demonstrate that community pride and public involvement are alive and well. Efforts to rebuild Bushkill Park after several floods showcase a strong will to retain local character. The continuing success of events like Musikfest, the Great Allentown Fair, Das Awkscht Fescht, and regional fairs (where sheep contests can occur near midway games) prove that a sense of tradition and modernity can coexist.

Other amusement parks in Pennsylvania have taken it upon themselves to cherish the past while staying current. Knoebel's (in Elysburg) has three free museums (one for the coal mining industry, another for carousel artifacts, and a third for its own proud history). The park's owners have continually acquired older rides from other resorts with great acknowledgment. They also have constructed newer versions of older rides. (They are now constructing a toboggan-type wooden coaster that harkens back to the early days of thrills). In fact, I often hear patrons there say that it reminds them of what Dorney used to be like.

Hershey has a museum and a rich sense of its heritage, which adds to the character of the community. Altoona's Lakemont Park enlisted the help of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, among other organizations, in restoring "Leap-the-Dips," the world's oldest roller coaster, and getting it named as a National Historic Landmark. And, of course, Kennywood, in West Mifflin, is on that same list.

Are these parks stuck in the past? I'd argue they're embracing their history and using it to cater to a wider, more diverse audience while appealing to modern tastes and still being commercially successful. They should be applauded for their efforts. Amusement and theme parks are supposed to be examples of American entrepreneurship that act as one of the great unifiers in our culture.

I challenge Cedar Fair and Dorney Park to match what these other parks are doing, and pay respect to the park's and the Lehigh Valley's rich history. There are enough people in this region who loved Dorney for what it was and what it still can be: a great site of amusement that offers something for everyone. There is enough volunteerism and creative energy in this region to help pull the weight and come up with competitive ways to capture Dorney's past while still appealing to a broad market. Dorney Park has been a part of our heritage since the 1800s why can't it reflect that? Or, are souvenir books and Web sites supposed to be enough to quench our thirst?

Timothy D. Hufnagle, an instructor in the Department of Popular Culture at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, also resides in Sellersville, where he volunteers with two historical organizations. He is a member of DAFE (Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts) and SCA (Society for Commercial Archeology), both organizations that help preserve recreational and cultural landmarks.